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Afghanistan, France Sign Friendship, Strategic Cooperation Treaty

Sunday, January 29, 2012
Kabul (BNA) After signing of friendship and strategic cooperation treaty between Afghanistan and France, French president Nicolas Sarkozy said that on the basis of this treaty, France will continue its long-term assistance to Afghanistan in education, health, economy and cultural spheres.
The treaty which was signed last evening by presidents of Afghanistan and France, the French president attended a joint press conference and he emphasized that France will continue training of the Afghan security forces.
He asked president Hamid Karzai so that the Afghan forces take over the security of the Kapsia province in the future.
President Hamid Karzai appreciated the hospitality of the French President and expressed pleasure over signing of the long term friendship strategic cooperation treaty with that country.
He added that under this treaty France renewed its commitments towards continued assistance to Afghanistan.
President Hamid Karzai conveyed his sympathies to the people of France over the killing of the four French soldiers in Afghanistan and appreciated the sacrifices of the French forces in bringing about security and stability in Afghanistan.
As regards delivering of the security responsibility to the Afghan forces, he noted that Afghanistan is prepared to take over the security of the country even before the year 2014, adding that the Afghan forces will take over the security of Kapisa province from the French forces after March of the current year.
Under this agreement France will continue its assistance to Afghanistan in the spheres of defense, security, agriculture, rural development, health, education, higher education, culture and good governance, rule of law, infrastructure foundations, economy, financial affairs, trade and industry.
It should be recalled that this treaty between Afghanistan and France is valid for 20 years.